Belle Epoque Arcachon: La Ville d'Hiver (the Winter Town)

Arcachon (the Bay of Arcachon) is a popular tourist destination off the French Atlantic coast.
This is a new city by French standards born in the mid-19th century, thanks to Napoleon III and other key players introduced in this video.
Tourism started in Arcachon as early as the 1830s in the lower part of town (now known as "the Summer Town.")
To history and architecture lovers "la Ville d'Hiver" (the Winter Town) is a must-see. This is a special neighborhood that sits above the town with incredible views of the Bay of Arcachon. In the heart of its peaceful winding streets, stories (and sights) await.
Follow Véro on a new virtual tour and let's travel back in time to Belle Epoque Arcachon.
Erratum: Dune du Pilat (the highest sand dune in Europe) is now spelled "Pilat" not "Pyla" (after Pyla-sur-Mer, a local seaside town.)
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[@agiggles6532]

Thank you for taking the time to share your vacation spot with us! Always a marvelous teacher! Arcachon is now on my bucket list.

[@paulawright8340]

Those homes are so beautiful and unique! Thank you for the interesting tour.

[@marybethbasu8858]

Very interesting tour! I loved hearing some background on Isaac Pereire, as I have a rose named after his wife.

[@jmichelet2276]

Salut Vero, thank you so much for these vedeos. Today o stumbled on this video before heading to Arcachon from Bordeaux.

[@brucefielder9312]

Merci for taking a break from your holiday to share the beautiful and interesting community in Arcachon.

[@francewithvero]

Sharing France is what I do after all :-)

[@jenfirelioness]

I am admittedly a bit afraid of heights/depths, but I really liked watching you descend steps. Also really liked the history lesson with the park and homes. You made it so engaging to hear.

[@kenromero9236]

Merci Vero for thé staircase warning. Great video.

[@lauraveronique]

Thank you, Vero, for such an informative video of an area of France I knew nothing about! In 1987, I visited Bordeaux and St. Jean-de-Luz, and had wanted to visit Arcachon to see La Dune du Pylat, but I never made it. That’s all I thought Arcachon was - a beach town with the tallest sand dune in Europe. Never did I imagine it possessed such wide boulevards, immense park, beautiful architecture and fascinating history. This is why I love France - endlessly fascinating. You brought this beautiful town into my home on this first day of August, 2023. Thank you for thinking of us, your Patreon loyal followers. I appreciate your efforts, your beautiful video very much. Now I feel as if, for 30 minutes today, I was in France. You are the best! Merci énormément!

[@francewithvero]

My dear Laura, I was so happy to read your comment. I feel very appreciated right now. Merci beaucoup.

[@jamieruggles3716]

Vero, you are a treasure, especially to those of us who don't get to travel quite as much anymore. Your virtual tours, with the history, architecture and culture that you share, are second to none. Merci, mon ami.

[@francewithvero]

Thank you for joining me on another adventure.

[@Liffster]

Oh Merci, Véro! I've been to Arcachon several times and love it!

[@rangamurali7667]

Beautiful architectures now made residential home, an incredible tour of ‘Winter Town’ with quite a history. Thank you for that informative tour, wonder if ever such homes, like I did come across mansions built 70 years before or 100 years old, how on Earth the public could get a peek or make a visit inside touring such magnificent architectural buildings, maybe on arrangement, if those owners permit at all?

[@cindygreif3077]

Such a gorgeous and interesting place! Thank you for the stories and beautiful video. I had no idea! 🧡

[@francewithvero]

It was my guess some francophiles out there may not know yet how special this part of France is. I did my best to showcase this fabulous destination and hope it inspires future trips!

[@KCAlexan]

What a lovely walk you took us on! Thank you for a nice taste of your vacation 😊

[@francewithvero]

Avec grand plaisir.

[@sharynpeterson3758]

🤗 What a beautiful town! Merci for the tour.

[@francewithvero]

Thank you for tagging along, like always Sharyn.

[@432dc]

Wow, the architecture in the winter ville is lovely ! Particularly, La Villa Teresa ❤️ Thanks for sharing your holiday!

[@sharonferrell8930]

A very lovely tour. Glad the heat wave is not affecting that area at this time. What a climb you did on those shakey stairs. You are brave. Those homes are gorgeous. Thanks for the history of the town and taking us on the tour. Watching from East Texas...

[@melvaoconnor]

I can smell the sea/bay as we stroll with you Véro along these streets… I wonder if these homes are Air B & B’s or vacation rentals? Very peaceful and beautiful! are there great restaurants serving oysters and fish there? You present so well and I cant even imagine the history you have committed to memory! Incredible! Merci beaucoup!

[@francewithvero]

Some homes are holiday rentals (at least parts of them.) There are also a couple of hotels in la Ville d'Hiver. As for the oyster question, you'll need to read my latest blogpost when it comes out this week. Thank you for tagging along Melva.

[@normasmith5288]

Such a fascinating tour! We spent a week in Arcachon several years ago but did not explore the winter town. We did go to the Dune du Pilat, which was very impressive too. Is all of the history you described available in the literature at the tourist office? We may try to go there again, when we visit France this September. Thank you!

[@FOBob-sr1fd]

Thought the thumbnail was the Disney Haunted Mansion. LOL